KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 15, 2021

Kennesaw State University has established a School of Instructional Technology and Innovation, building on the Bagwell College of Education’s reputation as a leader in teaching educators to empower learning with technology.

Elevated from a department within the Bagwell College, the School of Instructional Technology and Innovation offers three academic degree programs – master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees in instructional technology – and graduate certificates/endorsements in personalized learning and online teaching. In addition, the school is home to three service units: iTeach, which provides consulting services and professional development training to school districts; the Teacher Resource and Activity Corner (TRAC) that helps education students, P-12 educators and community members plan and prepare effective and creative classroom instruction; and a team of technology professionals who support Bagwell’s faculty, staff and students in using technology for teaching and learning.

“The Bagwell College of Education boasts a wealth of expertise in instructional technology, and P-12 educators can benefit from their knowledge and assistance now more than ever,” said Kathy Schwaig, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Through this school, Kennesaw State is assisting teachers and preparing graduates to teach innovatively in our digital age.”

Along with offering high-demand degree programs, the School of Instructional Technology and Innovation will be closely aligned with Kennesaw State moving forward as a research-driven, R2-designated university. The school will collaborate with other colleges on innovative and relevant research in the area of technology and computing – with particular interest in partnering with the College of Computing and Software Engineering on technology-related grant opportunities.

“The instructional technology department, and now school, is a source of pride for the Bagwell College of Education and KSU,” said Adrian Epps, interim BCOE dean. “The combination of our degree programs, faculty expertise and community outreach initiatives stands out in enhancing the University and P-12 school systems, which in turn helps build stronger communities.”

Establishing the school continues KSU’s reputation as a leader in instructional technology, which began in the 1990s with the Bagwell College developing InTech, a pilot professional development program for teachers and technology that the General Assembly made a requirement for all Georgia educators. Kennesaw State continues to set the pace, as the BCOE’s Traci Redish recently led the statewide task force to develop the standards for all University System of Georgia instructional technology programs.

In addition, the school is home to iTeach – one of the University’s most recognized units, providing technology-related professional learning, consulting and services to approximately 275 schools and/or districts in Georgia and other states. The iTeach MakerBus travels the state providing robotics, coding, engineering and maker experiences to Georgia students. The school also launched its Innovation Lab, with a bold vision to serve as Bagwell’s incubator for educational innovation – where ideas are born and tested.

“The hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff have earned us an excellent reputation within and beyond Georgia, and now the goal is to become a national leader in technology-enhanced teaching, learning, and research,” said Redish, the director of the School of Instructional Technology and Innovation. “The evolution of our department to a School of Instructional Technology and Innovation is a logical next step into the future and offers many benefits and opportunities for the Bagwell College and the University.”

– Paul Floeckher

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.